Asbestos Overview

Asbestos is the name of a group of naturally-occurring fibrous minerals that are heat-resistant, strong and extremely durable. Asbestos has historically been used in over 4,000 building products because of these properties. In addition to boiler and pipe insulation applications, asbestos has been used to make a wide range of construction materials which include cement siding, sprayed-on decorative ceiling texture, ceiling and floor tiles, window putty, roofing shingles and felt, adhesives, as well as the paper backing of vinyl floor coverings.

Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause cancer and related diseases. For this reason, it is required to hire a certified inspector to survey a renovation or demolition project prior to starting the work. This survey will identify regulated asbestos-containing materials that will be disturbed or removed in order to complete your project. Once identified, proper techniques can be applied to minimize the risk of exposure and to dispose of the materials safely.

Removal of asbestos is regulated by LRAPA in Lane County, Oregon, under LRAPA’s Title 43 – Asbestos Requirements rules.